Time with each child

This weekend my 2 daughters spent time with cousins and a beloved Aunt. That left time for me and my son. I realized, once again, how important it is to spend one-on-one time with each child individually. As a family group we do many things together, pray, study the scriptures, shop, clean the house, go for walks etc. But, the dynamic changes when there is time to listen to the one and do an activity that that child chooses.

Last night my son and I lay out on the grass and watched the fireworks from a not-too-distant college stadium. It was a beautiful night on a large lawn and the weather was perfect for the event. We got the giggles 1/2 way in-between the fireworks as the blanket wasn't quite big enough to lie on and to cover us with. It was a fun exchange and one which we'll both probably remember for a long time.

As we lay under the stars; pondering upon the great expanse of the universe, we felt a renewed connection and closeness that wouldn't have come had all four of us been there together.

I'm grateful for the reminder that the Lord knows each sparrow that falls as well as each of us by name and individually. It was a blessing to spend time with this son and to share a memorable evening together; just the two of us. Those pleasant times renew me to continue forward -- amidst the daily challenges that come.

Single Parenting -- Two bloggers who need our support

Today I read two new articles on the LDS Neighborhood Site. Click here to read from these two women bloggers who have found themselves newly in singlehood. The heartache and pain is real.
Those of us in this situation would do well to pray for them and provide them support. (We all need to do that for each other anyway!)

I've found that unless someone has been through this --- they truly don't understand and ....often don't really care. (They have their own set of problems to deal with.)

But, as Pres. Kimball said "There is no tragedy in death...only in sin".
Death may be difficult -- but, it IS part of the Lord's plan of happiness.
Divorce is not.
And, after an often excruciating divorce people don't bring you casseroles, take care of your kids, bring cards and flowers etc. It's usually very much the opposite; they avoid you. Perhaps they don't know what to say or they don't want to 'catch' something. But, yes, they judge. Very often they judge. What they don't realize is that oftimes it's not because of the unrighteousness of BOTH that divorce occurs. Sometimes it is. But, in many cases it is one party who opts out and who chooses an unrighteous path - leaving the other to pick up the pieces, care for the family, take the responsibilities, and lose much of their life as it had been established. It surely is a difficult road.

Sufficient For Our Needs

Often, the statement 'We have sufficient for our needs' comes to mind as I travel this earthly path. I am grateful for that comment and have pondered it often.

I recall the day that a college Professor stated: 'We have only one true need', and gave us time to consider what that might be.

The answer was: "The need to be redeemed".
Every'thing' else is secondary. If we don't have the first then....nothing else will ever really matter.

Does anyone speak "Cat?"

We've sort of adopted 2 stray cats to go with the one we already had. Apparently they found us because of our outside cat food.

Last month one gave birth to three adorable kittens. Though we had made her a nice, warm place in the corner -- she, apparently, wanted more privacy than that. She delivered under the kids' bed.

The second Mom gave birth 11 days later; following suit. She did it under MY bed! :)

Now they're nearly a month old. We've done all we know to do to care for them but the mother of the first batch walks around the house all day making noises like this: errrrrruh, errrrruh, eruuuh. Does anyone on here speak 'cat'? :)

Sometimes it means 'I'm hungry', or 'I'm thirsty', or 'I wanna go out'. And, sometimes she wants to be petted or put under the sink faucet to drink. But, today, I'm not sure what it means and ..... I'm wishing that I did.

I couldn't resist this one

I found this on another blog and just had to share.
It's entitled "Paging Obama".
I'm adding ....."what have we come to?"

Preparing for the coming days... as a Single Parent

No matter our station in life; we are to prepare for the coming days. The Lord has told us how to prepare. The scriptures and teachings of the living Prophets continue to warn and forewarn. None of us can say that we didn't know. The Lord desires to bless us. He can do so as we are obedient and heed His words.
My prayer is that we do so.